WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to highlight an expanded partnership with United Way of Rhode Island and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which is offering a unique opportunity for students to earn college credit while providing a vital service to the local community.

Through this innovative initiative, more than a dozen CCRI students have become IRS-certified tax preparers. Following their certification, the students are now gaining hands-on, professional experience by volunteering at VITA sites across the state, including a dedicated site on CCRI’s Warwick campus.

As a result of the rigorous training and community service involved, students are eligible to earn 3 college credits of tax law, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world career preparation. CCRI integrated the VITA partnership with its ACCT 1500 Personal Income Taxes course, a required class for the college’s business track. The course is also offered to students at large as an elective.

"This partnership reflects CCRI at our best — aligning high-quality education with meaningful service to our state," said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. "Through VITA, our students earn industry-recognized credentials, build real-world skills, and gain the confidence that comes from helping others. At the same time, they are strengthening financial stability for Rhode Island families. This is the kind of hands-on, community-centered learning that defines our mission and prepares our students to thrive."

Empowering Students, Strengthening Rhode Island
For CCRI students, the program offers more than just credits; it provides a pathway to professional development in accounting, finance, and community outreach. Volunteers work directly with taxpayers to ensure they receive the refunds they are due and the credits they have earned, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit.

“Participating in the program has been incredibly meaningful to me,” said Francine Grigoletto Manso, a 22-year-old Sau Paulo native who currently lives in North Smithfield. “When I first moved to the United States from Brazil five years ago, I did not speak English, and navigating the U.S. tax system felt overwhelming and confusing. Becoming a certified VITA/TCE Advanced Tax Preparer, and now being able to help others through that same process, has been deeply fulfilling and feels like a full-circle experience.

“One of the most meaningful parts of volunteering has been supporting fellow immigrants and interpreting for clients. Helping someone navigate a system that once felt overwhelming to me reminds me how far I’ve come since first arriving in this country. As a first-generation college student who earned a GED and now maintains a 4.0 GPA at CCRI, VITA represents more than workforce experience. It has reinforced my commitment to using economics and public policy to expand financial literacy and increase access to opportunity for under-resourced communities.”

For the community, the partnership expands the reach of free tax preparation services, helping to alleviate the financial burden of filing fees for low- and moderate-income households. By staffing VITA sites with dedicated, trained student volunteers, CCRI and United Way are ensuring more Rhode Islanders have access to accurate, free, and reliable tax help.

“VITA is a tremendous example of the power of partnership, from CCRI and the IRS, to our community partners and volunteers, we’re talking about a program that last year returned $24 million to the pockets of hardworking Rhode Islanders and our state’s economy,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “By engaging students and providing them a real, tangible opportunity to make an impact across our state, CCRI is demonstrating its commitment to expanding financial stability.”

A Faculty-Led Model for Success
CCRI’s Business Department has played a central role in the growth of this partnership, designing a first-of-its-kind, credit-bearing curriculum specifically to prepare students for IRS certification. Guided by the expertise of Business Department faculty, the three-month training program blends academic rigor with practical instruction in tax law fundamentals, intake and interview procedures, quality review, and professional tax software.

Students who secure their official IRS certification and volunteer during the tax season are currently earning academic credit toward their Accounting degrees. This model not only strengthens Rhode Island’s pipeline of qualified tax professionals but also demonstrates CCRI’s commitment to a learning environment with tangible community impact.

“The Business program is committed to creating experiential learning opportunities that directly connect classroom instruction to workforce readiness,” said Cecile Roberti, Professor. “By embedding VITA into our curriculum, we are giving students practical accounting and tax preparation experience that builds both competence and confidence.”

Eligibility and Accessing Services
Free tax preparation services through VITA are generally available to individuals and families who earned $69,000 or less in 2025. VITA sites are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who ensure tax filers receive their maximum refund and fast e-filing.

Rhode Islanders looking for help can find their local VITA site or check eligibility by:

• Calling 2-1-1: United Way’s 211 helpline is the fastest way to find the nearest tax prep site and schedule an appointment.
• Visiting Online: A full list of statewide locations and required documentation is available at unitedwayri.org/get-help/tax-prep.

Local VITA Sites
VITA sites are located throughout the state, including:

• Warwick: CCRI Warwick Campus, 400 East Avenue (Room 002).
• Providence: United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street.

Other Locations: Sites are also available in Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport, and Westerly. Appointments are required at most locations.

Services also will be available at CCRI's Lincoln Campus on select dates in March and April. Visit CCRI's Bussiness Administration website for full scheduling details.